Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health alert for the Twin Cities and an advisory for Southeastern MN including Rochester, due to fine particle pollution for Tuesday November 4, 2008. As of noon on Monday, air quality monitors across much of the state indicate fine particle pollution is in the mid to high moderate range. Forecasts suggest that pollutant concentrations will continue to increase throughout Monday evening into the early afternoon Tuesday. Air quality conditions are expected to reach above 100 on the AQI which is the threshold for the category of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. On Tuesday a peak AQI of 103 is forecast for the Twin Cities with Rochester peaking at an AQI of 93. As wind speeds increase late Tuesday pollutant concentrations are expected to decrease, leading to mid moderate AQI levels on Wednesday. An approaching cold front, with clean dry westerly winds will continue to improve air quality conditions, with low moderate conditions Thursday and good conditions Friday. Children, senior citizens and those who perform physical labor or exercise intensely for prolonged periods are encouraged to take it easy. For example, reduce intensity or duration, walk instead of run. Those with existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis should take appropriate precautions. Fine particles can irritate the lungs and cardiovascular system and originate from power plant emissions, industry, vehicle emissions and smoke from fires. The MPCA urges Minnesotans to reduce energy and transportation use by using less electricity, carpooling, taking the bus or walking and to postpone all fires - especially those with leaves or green wood. For more information or to sign up to receive air alerts and daily air quality forecasts by email or text message go to http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/